Events: Polly’s Editor’s Picks in September 2012

Senior Editor Polly Sparling lists her top event picks for September 2012

By Polly Sparling

Feeling down because the summer is about to end? Cheer yourself up at the Mark Gruber Gallery’s Hudson Valley Views summer art show. Oil and pastel works by a baker’s dozen group of local artists depict sun-drenched green fields, rich-hued flowers, and our inimitable Valley sky colored azure blue — or blackened by a coming thunderstorm. Through Sept. 4. Call for hours. • New Paltz Plaza, New Paltz. 845-255-1241 or www.markgrubergallery.com

Comprised of graduates from Julliard and other top-flight music schools, Salomé is a conductor-less chamber orchestra that specializes in performing works by both well-loved and under-appreciated composers. This month, the NYC-based group makes a rare (and free) appearance in Westchester; the afternoon program includes pieces by two titans on the “well-loved” list: Mozart (Sinfonia Concertante) and Tchaikovsky (Souvenir de Florence). Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. • Reisinger Concert Hall, Sarah Lawrence College. 1 Mead Way, Bronxville. 914-395-2412

Alt rock/punk doyenne Amanda Palmer concludes a three-week stint as artist in residence at Bard College with two concerts launching her self-released album, Theatre is Evil. Formerly the lead singer of the Dresden Dolls, Palmer recently made headlines by raising more than $1 million on Kickstarter, an Internet fund-raising site in which donors earn “rewards” for their contributions. Palmer grew up in the ’80s listening to British pop and synthesizer music, a style which strongly influences her latest work. Sept. 5 & 6 at 8 p.m. $35. • Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson. 845-758-7900 or www.fishercenter.bard.edu

Take a break from the summer heat at the Jacob Burns Film Center. This month’s featured series, Dance on Film, spotlights seven flicks in which dancing plays an integral part. Classical works — such as Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake (pictured) — share top billing with all-time favorites like Singing in the Rain. Sept. 20-27. Call or visit Web site for complete schedule and ticket information. • 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville. 914-747-5555 or www.burnsfilmcenter.org

Good food, fine wine, and watching the sun set over the Hudson — what more could you ask for on a late summer’s evening? Join Chef Anthony Moustakas of Gourmet to Go at this month’s Sunset Sensations at Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie. This once-a-month get-together allows patrons to sample hors d’oeuvres — prepared with produce grown in the historic site’s own gardens — paired with libations provided by Arlington Wines. Chef Moustakas demonstrates his culinary wizardry with cooking demonstrations, and the site’s horticulturists lead tours of the gardens. Sept. 13 at 5:30 p.m. $25 in advance, $27 on the day (if available). • 2683 South Rd. (Rte. 9), Poughkeepsie. 845-454-4500 or www.lgny.org